Pooja Batra turns showstopper at Cannes 2026 with 'Echoes Of Us' team
Synopsis
Pooja Batra declared she was 'born for the lights' as she walked the runway at Cannes 2026 for designer Ishikaaj Jain's debut show — flanked by the team behind psychological drama 'Echoes Of Us'. For an actress who last appeared on screen in 2021, the Cannes moment doubles as a high-profile return and a statement of intent as a producer with global reach.
Key Takeaways
Pooja Batra walked the runway as showstopper at the Cannes Film Festival 2026 for designer Ishikaaj Jain's debut show.
She was joined by 'Echoes Of Us' team members Deepak Tijori and Iulia Vantur . 'Echoes Of Us' is a psychological drama directed by Joe Rajan , starring Tijori and Spanish actress Alessandra Whelan Merediz .
Batra, 49 , was crowned Miss India International in 1993 and debuted in Bollywood in 1997 .
Her last screen appearance was in the 2021 action thriller 'Squad' .
She is related to Param Vir Chakra recipient Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal .
Actress-producer Pooja Batra stepped into the spotlight at the Cannes Film Festival 2026, walking the runway as a showstopper alongside her 'Echoes Of Us' team at designer Ishikaaj Jain's debut fashion showcase at the prestigious event. The appearance marked another chapter in Batra's enduring connection with Cannes — a stage she last graced in 2004 when her film 'Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story' was showcased there.
Batra's Runway Moment
Sharing a series of photographs from the fashion showcase, Batra expressed her delight at the experience. 'Echoes Of Us' collaborators Deepak Tijori and Iulia Vantur joined her on the runway. In her post, Batra wrote: 'In my DNA: Born for the lights, built for the runway. So happy to be a showstopper with my team #echoesofus @deepaktijoriteam @vanturiulia @joerajan27 for the brilliant @ishikaajjain in her debut show in #cannes2026.'
About 'Echoes Of Us'
The film 'Echoes Of Us' is a psychological drama written and directed by Joe Rajan. It stars Deepak Tijori and Spanish actress Alessandra Whelan Merediz, and explores themes of love, loss, and human connection. According to its synopsis, the narrative follows an elderly, grieving man who discovers a video diary of his late wife, only to find the voice in the recording mysteriously shifting to his own — a premise that promises a poignant, cross-cultural resonance.
Pooja Batra: A Career in Brief
The 49-year-old actress-producer first rose to national prominence in 1993 when she was crowned Miss India International. She made her Bollywood debut in 1997 with 'Virasat', starring alongside Anil Kapoor, and followed it with 'Bhai' opposite Suniel Shetty. Her filmography includes notable titles such as 'Haseena Maan Jayegi', 'Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya', 'Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye', and 'Nayak: The Real Hero'. She was last seen on screen in 2021 in the action thriller 'Squad', directed by Nilesh Sahay.
A Legacy Beyond the Screen
Batra carries a distinguished personal legacy as well — she is related to Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, a martyr honoured with India's highest military decoration, the Param Vir Chakra. Notably, her Cannes 2026 appearance signals a renewed public presence after a period away from the spotlight, with 'Echoes Of Us' positioning her as a producer with international ambitions.
Point of View
Appearing as showstopper at an international film festival — and as a producer on a film with cross-cultural themes — is a deliberate repositioning. The choice of 'Echoes Of Us', a psychological drama with a Spanish co-star and a universal emotional premise, suggests an intent to move beyond the Bollywood mainstream. Whether the film delivers on that promise is the real story to watch.
NationPress
14 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Pooja Batra do at Cannes 2026?
Pooja Batra walked the runway as a showstopper at the Cannes Film Festival 2026, appearing at designer Ishikaaj Jain's debut fashion showcase alongside her 'Echoes Of Us' collaborators Deepak Tijori and Iulia Vantur.
What is the film 'Echoes Of Us' about?
'Echoes Of Us' is a psychological drama directed by Joe Rajan. It follows an elderly grieving man who discovers his late wife's video diary, only to hear the voice in the recording shift mysteriously to his own. The film stars Deepak Tijori and Spanish actress Alessandra Whelan Merediz.
What is Pooja Batra's connection to the Param Vir Chakra?
Pooja Batra is related to Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, a martyr who was awarded the Param Vir Chakra — India's highest military honour — for his bravery in battle.
Who is designer Ishikaaj Jain?
Ishikaaj Jain is a fashion designer who made her debut showcase at the Cannes Film Festival 2026. Pooja Batra walked as the showstopper for this debut show, describing the designer as 'brilliant' in her social media post.
